News Summary
Memphis is celebrating the return of Guy Fieri’s ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,’ spotlighting 19 local restaurants, including six new spots this year. The show’s renewed episodes emphasize the city’s diverse food scene and invites public input for future restaurant nominations. This initiative not only highlights local culinary gems but also encourages community engagement, enhancing Memphis’s reputation as a premier dining destination.
Memphis Celebrates Guy Fieri’s Return with Restaurant Highlights
Memphis, well-known for its culinary delights ranging from BBQ to soul food, is making headlines with the return of Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2024. The show has featured 19 local restaurants since its debut in 2007, with six new Memphis eateries spotlighted this year after a 12-year pause since the last aired episodes in 2012.
The city’s vibrant food scene has drawn Fieri back, and the latest episodes highlight how Memphis serves as a culinary melting pot. The public has the opportunity to contribute by nominating their favorite restaurants for future episodes, with a poll open until noon on July 18. This engagement not only showcases local businesses but encourages community involvement in the dining landscape.
Featured Memphis Restaurants
The recent episodes of “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” include an eclectic mix of venues that reflect the diverse flavors of Memphis. Among these are:
- Alcenia’s: This restaurant is celebrated for its unique “Cha Cha” cabbage relish and sweet potato cobbler, embodying traditional Southern flavors.
- The Farmer: Known for its farm-to-table approach, it specializes in dishes like pan-seared catfish and country-fried pork chops.
- Cozy Corner: A go-to spot for BBQ, famous for its mouth-watering ribs, wings, and barbecued sandwiches.
- Wiseacre Brewing Co.: This brewery combines craft beer with culinary flair, serving up pizzas and chicken wings.
- Loaf: Recognized for its innovative Sichuan Pepperjelly Fried Chicken Sandwich, it’s a hit among food enthusiasts.
- Marlowe’s Ribs: An iconic venue known for its savory ribs and Elvis-themed menu items.
- Leonard’s Pit Barbecue: Established in 1922, this spot is famous for the classic chopped pork sandwich.
- Trap Fusion: A unique dining experience, it features Caribbean lamb chops and oxtails that blend flavors from Cajun and Caribbean cuisines.
- Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: This original Memphis outlet is widely praised for serving up delectable fried chicken.
- Las Tortugas: Offering genuine Mexican cuisine, with notable dishes such as king crab tacos.
Impact on the Memphis Food Scene
Guy Fieri’s show has significantly impacted Memphis’s reputation as a culinary destination. The show’s emphasis on local food and community exploration not only brings national attention to the featured restaurants but also encourages tourism and local patronage. While some establishments showcased in earlier seasons may no longer be operating, the current selection reflects a thriving food landscape.
The return of Fieri to Memphis serves as a boost to the local economy and inspires the populace to explore the dynamic dining options available. The blend of new eateries with legacy establishments forms a spectrum of dining experiences that cater to both locals and visitors alike.
Background and Broader Context
Since its inception in 2007, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” has highlighted a total of 19 Memphis-area restaurants, marking a significant cultural contribution to the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Despite a long hiatus after 2012, the show’s renewed focus in 2024 underscores the diverse offerings Memphis has to provide and reaffirms its status as a premier food destination.
As this year’s episodes feature restaurants that capture the essence of Memphis cuisine, the poll allowing public nominations for upcoming episodes invites further engagement in the city’s food community. The effort to spotlight local establishments serves to unite Memphis residents and strengthen the area’s culinary identity.
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Guy Fieri in Memphis
- Wikipedia: Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
- We Are Memphis: Diners Drive-Ins and Dives
- Google Search: Memphis food scene
- Commercial Appeal: Guy Fieri’s Visits to Memphis
- Google Scholar: Guy Fieri Memphis
- Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Restaurants on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant
- iHeart: Memphis Restaurants on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives
- Google News: Guy Fieri Memphis restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
